Surrogacy in Kazakhstan

Overview of Surrogacy

In Kazakhstan, surrogacy is not just legal, it’s also strictly regulated. This section is going to provide an introduction to what surrogacy is, the legal framework in Kazakhstan, and the specific requirements for a woman to become a surrogate mother. 

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a way that helps many people grow their family. Intended parents who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves will find themselves looking at surrogacy. A woman will be the intended parents’ surrogate mother, and she will carry and give birth to a baby. The type of surrogacy that is most commonly used is gestational, which means the surrogate mother would not have any genetic relationship with the baby. This present day arrangement makes a difference to intended parents who want to be genetically related to a baby as they provide their own genetic material to create an embryo that is transferred to the surrogate via in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Legal Framework of Surrogacy in Kazakhstan

The Republic of Kazakhstan has clear national laws that are enforced within the country. They allow gestational surrogacy for married heterosexual couples, including foreign national intended parents, under national health and family law regulations. Legally, the traditional surrogacy option is not available in Kazakhstan, which is when the surrogate mother is genetically related to the baby. The law has strict conditions involved to protect the rights and expectations for the intended parents and the surrogate mother. The aim of the surrogacy law is that the intended parents will be recognised as the legal parents immediately, stopping the need to apply for adoption after the baby is born. 

How to be a Surrogate Mother?

The strict medical and legal rules involved in Kazakhstan must be followed when a surrogate is being chosen to ensure everyone involved in the journey will be safe and well looked after. If you are looking to be a surrogate mother in this country, you must be aged between 20 and 35 years old, given birth to at least one healthy child, and have excellent physical and mental health. 

You must also be prepared to go through extensive medical tests that include testing for infections and reproductive health, this confirms whether you would be fit to carry a pregnancy. Psychological assessments are another factor included in being a surrogate mother and you must be prepared to take part in these screenings. All of the screenings mentioned above are there to show that you are emotionally prepared and mentally stable to take on this important role.

Other things to note if you want to be a surrogate is you must not have any illnesses that are long-term, and be happy to sign a detailed legal agreement explaining your responsibilities as well as confirming you will give up any parental rights once the baby has arrived. During the pregnancy you would receive a number of regular check-ups and medical care from qualified and experienced doctors. 

This process shows that only suitable women are chosen to carry a baby for intended parents as it makes sure she is fully prepared for the journey ahead. It is not meant to discriminate against other women, but the main aim for surrogacy is that everyone involved will be safe and healthy by the end of the process. All of the tests are carried out by licensed doctors and psychologists from the fertility clinic or surrogacy agency.

Reasons for Choosing Kazakhstan for Surrogacy

In this section we are going to look at the reasons people choose Kazakhstan for surrogacy, and the types of benefits you can gain in this country if you choose to go down this path.

World-Renowned Reputation

Kazakhstan has increased in popularity, gaining an incredibly strong reputation in the reproductive medicine world. For this reason, it has brought international intended parents from places like Europe, the U.S., and other locations across Asia to the country. The fertility clinics and experienced specialists have grown, essentially contributing to the trust around the world.

Cost-Effective Surrogacy Options

If we compare the costs of the Kazakhstan surrogacy programmes to the U.S., Canada, or Western Europe, it can be seen that this country offers a more affordable approach to surrogacy and still offers the same level or a higher standard of care. Due to this it makes it an ideal option for people looking for a cost-effective, legally secure country to do surrogacy and become parents.

Excellent Medical Facilities

Cities within Kazakhstan like Almaty and Nur-Sultan (Astana) have well-equipped IVF clinics with modern reproductive technology, and doctors who have trained in other locations around the world. Training internationally has provided them with the ability to communicate well in English, and occasionally other languages too, in return this gives foreign couples the confidence in the clinics to communicate comfortably and an ease when they are navigating their journey.

Legal Support for International Parents

The legal procedures are transparent and streamlined. Each contract makes sure that the surrogate cannot claim any parental rights once the baby is born. Surrogacy agencies offer international intended parents full legal assistance for many points during the surrogacy journey including document processing, citizenship, and passport issuance for the baby.

Ethical and Transparent Practices

The surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics are given ethical standards that must be followed according to the law and the government does enforce this. Surrogate mothers are highly protected under law, and all the steps of the process, from beginning to end, are actioned under the supervision of medical professionals.

Surrogacy Process in Kazakhstan

During this section we are going to look at the surrogacy process and how it works in Kazakhstan.

Programme Stages

The surrogacy programmes tend to have a number of stages that must be followed to make sure the journey is a smooth process.

Firstly, intended parents will choose a surrogacy agency or fertility clinic to work with and they will have a consultation to discuss their needs, and answer any questions they may have. The matching of the surrogate may also begin at this stage. Secondly, once they are happy with their chosen facility, they will undergo a medical consultation and fertility evaluation. Thirdly, the legal contracts will be created and signed by the surrogate mother and intended parents. It would then move onto the IVF cycle and the embryo transfer. Once the pregnancy is confirmed, the surrogate will be monitored and will receive support throughout. Finally, the birth and legal registration of the baby will come and you will finally have your baby in your arms.

In-Depth Look at the Surrogacy Journey

As soon as the contract is signed, the surrogate mother has an embryo transfer using IVF. Clinics will monitor her health during the pregnancy, and intended parents usually receive regular updates (depending on what was agreed in the contract). After the baby is born, the intended parents are registered as the baby’s legal parents, and international parents begin the procedures to take their baby home.

Costs of Surrogacy in Kazakhstan

Surrogacy in Kazakhstan usually has a range of costs and can be anywhere between $35,000 and $55,000. It depends on the surrogacy agency, medical complexity, and the legal services required as to what the cost will be. 

The packages tend to include the IVF and medical procedures, surrogate compensation, legal documents and translation services, maternity care and delivery, accommodation and local coordination if you are a foreign intended parent.

Sometimes there can be additional costs in a surrogacy programme and it’s important to ask the question about what they could be in your first consultation. Additional costs can be for multiple IVF cycles, donor oocytes or semen (egg or sperm), and even unexpected medical interventions.

Post-Surrogacy Considerations

Let’s take a look at the post-surrogacy considerations that can arise below in more detail.

In Whose Name Will the Baby Be Registered?

The Kazakhstan law states the intended parents will be listed on the birth certificate when the child is registered and the surrogate mother will have no parental rights under the law. Therefore, intended parents can rest assured that they will be named as the legal parents on the legal documents as soon as the baby is registered.

Legal Assistance After Birth

Surrogacy agencies will usually assist people with preparing any documents they may require including documents for passport issuance, embassy visits, and travel clearance. They can also help guide parents through the local bureaucracy to make sure they have a smooth departure from the country with their baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Special Features of Surrogacy in Kazakhstan?

There are a number of special features to consider in Kazakhstan and we have provided you with a list below to help break them down for you.

• Legal protection for both parents and surrogates.
• Affordable pricing with clear service breakdowns.
• No requirement for post-birth adoption.
• Internationally accessible clinics and English-speaking professionals.

Can I Choose Egg or Sperm in Kazakhstan for Fertility Treatment?

Yes, intended parents can either use their own genetic material or pick a donor. A donor will need to be a certified donor. IVF clinics have databases that hold a list of certified donors which keeps in line with the law if you choose to go down this route. Each donor has thorough screening, and the legal parental rights are preserved.